'University of Minnesota hockey sophomore center Thomas Vanek was back from Austria and lifting weights with teammates this week, but word is the Buffalo Sabres are preparing to offer him whatever it will take to sign him. Chances remain strong that he'll end up turning professional. Classes at Minnesota begin Sept. 7.'

'Vanek, who was drafted fifth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2003, is reportedly considering leaving school to play junior in an effort to become an NHL free agent if the Sabres don't sign him. "There's nothing definitive with his situation," said McCrimmon, who drafted Vanek in the 2001 Import Draft and still holds his rights on a special college list. "He remains in discussions with Buffalo and I really don't know any more than that."'

'The 2004 World Cup of Hockey is expected to be one of the most exciting international hockey tournaments in history. Eight hockey-playing nations featuring 150 NHL players, will compete in the two-week tournament that runs from August 30 through September 14, 2004.'

'“I never hurt so many guys as I did last year,” said Peters, who led the Sabres in penalty minutes with 151 in just 42 games. “I don’t mean injuring them, but as far as the power of my punch and learning to throw a proper punch. “Before I’d throw a haymaker, now it’s short and accurate.”'

'"J.P. provided us with solid play and leadership throughout last season," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. "He is a tremendous competitor and has developed into a solid NHL forward at both ends of the ice."'

'"Marty had a strong finish to last season and we look for him to solidify into a top NHL netminder," Regier added. "He has experience as a starter in the NHL and we look forward to his continued development with our organization."'

“Brad came in and right away supplied us with a physical presence and stability,” said Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier. “He is a strong and reliable defenseman and it will be great to have him on the backline for a full season.”

“Marty had a strong finish to last season and we look for him to solidify into a top NHL netminder,” said Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier. “He has experience as a starter in the NHL and we look forward to his continued development with our organization.”

"J.P. provided us with solid play and leadership throughout last season," Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said. "He is a tremendous competitor and has developed into a solid NHL forward at both ends of the ice."